Chiefs, Downs set for titanic clash

Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns are set to go toe-to-toe in a titanic Absa Premiership battle at FNB Stadium today. Kick-off is at 8:15pm.

The game has been billed as an early season title decider and with the Amakhosi lingering five points off the pace, a win for the top of the table Brazilians will open a considerable gap between the two South African giants.

That being said, a win for Chiefs will reduce the deficit to a mere two points, and could prove to be the victory that kick-starts their charge.

An added subplot is the recent Telkom Knockout final clash between the two sides. ‘Downs were very impressive on the day and raced to glory with a 3-1 win over the “cup specialists” in Durban last month.

January is a big month for Chiefs with a Soweto Derby clash against Orlando Pirates coming up on the 30th, but captain Siphiwe Tshabalala is eager for his troops to concentrate on this weekend’s “must-win” game.

“We just have to continue playing as a team, keep working as a team and make sure we take our chances,” said Tshabalala.

“This is a new game, New Year. We’ve to focus on our objective. We’re ready for the game, it won’t be an easy game but a tough one. Each and every player wants to play in this game, this is how you’re tested.

“It’s a big month for us, but we’ll take it one game at a time — the big one is this Saturday, that’s where our focus is.”